"The first time I stood before the ancient ruins of the Parthenon in Athens, I felt as though I was touching history itself. The grand columns, worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain, whispered the stories of a civilization long past. At that moment, I realized that the built environment—whether ancient or modern—is far more than just structures; it is the physical manifestation of human history, culture, and aspiration. This realization has driven me to pursue a dual passion for history and architecture." Growing up in a family of builders, I was surrounded by discussions of construction materials, design, and the mechanics of creating space. I always admired the skill required to transform raw materials into something both functional and beautiful. But it wasn’t until my high school history teacher introduced me to the wonders of ancient architecture that I truly understood the significance of what we build. The way the Egyptians used the Pyramids to reflect their religious beliefs, or how the Romans crafted their arches to stand the test of time, opened my eyes to how history and architecture are intertwined. It was in that moment that I realized I wanted to study not just the physical form of buildings, but their cultural and historical contexts. During my sophomore year in high school, I had the opportunity to attend a summer program focused on classical civilizations. The course included field trips to historical sites, including Roman aqueducts and medieval castles, where we not only explored the architecture but also delved into the historical forces that shaped these structures. This experience was a turning point. It sparked a fascination with how architecture serves as a record of human experience—preserving the values, challenges, and triumphs of the societies that create it. Since then, my academic interests have focused on the way history is told through buildings and cities. I’ve sought out every opportunity to connect these two fields, from working on preservation projects in my community to taking history and architectural design courses. In college, I have continued to build on this foundation by studying both architectural history and urban development. I’ve developed an understanding of how cities evolve and how the physical space of a city can influence its social and political dynamics. I am particularly interested in how modern urban spaces—like those in my hometown—reflect the changing dynamics of culture, migration, and technology. My goal is to bridge the gap between architectural design and historical preservation, ensuring that the built environment honors the past while adapting to the future. I plan to continue my studies in graduate school, focusing on the ways that architecture can be used to address contemporary social issues, from affordable housing to sustainability. In pursuing a degree in history and architecture, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of how our built environment shapes—and is shaped by—the societies that create it. Whether I’m researching ancient ruins or designing future cities, my mission is clear: to preserve the past and design for the future, creating spaces that are not only functional but that tell the stories of the people who live in them."